Human Rights Watch
student task force
MISSION
Implementing HRW’s mission to defend human rights, STF helps youth build a foundation for human rights, raises awareness about children’s rights violations, and develops young leaders and advocates to become instrumental voices for social justice around the world.
VISION
To equip the next generation of decision-makers with the human rights knowledge, advocacy experience, and communication skills needed to make the future of our world more just.
How We Work
STF staff guide and mentor participants to implement a shared human rights advocacy action plan across campuses. Through these action plans, STF members learn how to evaluate problems and independently discover ways to address them, harnessing the leadership skills they work on each week. STF leaders enter the program with varying levels of public speaking, project coordination, and presentation experience. The ongoing leadership training provides students with the skills and confidence needed to lead their classmates.
Watch this video from October 2022 explaining how the STF program works with students across the United States and beyond.
(Click to watch, 3:17)
Impact
Since 1999, STF has provided opportunities for students to raise their voices for human rights, educate their communities, and engage in meaningful advocacy. Many alumni have reported that their participation in STF compelled them to prioritize human rights in their careers, including in the public, private and government sectors.
Students Reached During STF Events
Participating Schools Over the Years
Cities Around the World With STF Chapters
Human Rights Advocacy Action Plans
Recent Blog Posts
STF Leader Spotlight: Jonmathew C.
Please meet Jonmathew C., STF leader at Animo Venice Charter High School. Continue reading to learn about Jonmathew’s goals for the chapter as they continue engaging in this year’s Action Plan…
Justice in the Classroom
As the end of the year approaches, STFers are hosting their final on campus events for the Celebrating 75 Years of Human Rights Action Plan.
Keep an eye out for more upcoming events…
As Earth Sizzles, Climate Ed Simmers
In 2021, the Human Rights Watch Student Task Force at Palisades Charter High School successfully urged the school’s Board of Directors to adopt their resolution to incorporate climate curriculum in all courses…
STF Leader Spotlight: Zanea A.
Please meet Zanea A., STF leader at Aga Khan Academy in Hyderabad, India. After learning about STF from a friend in Los Angeles, Aga Khan Academy became the first international STF chapter, and first in India. Continue reading to see how Zanea and the Aga Khan Chapter have engaged in this year’s Action Plan from across the world…
STF Classroom Takeovers
February 29-March 14, 2024: Taking advantage of the fact that students spend most of their time in class, STFers at Carson, Francis W. Parker and Santa Monica High Schools hosted in-class presentations, film screenings and simulations as a way to educate their campus communities about this year’s Action Plan…
What Do Human Rights Organizations Have To Do With Climate?
A group of STF leaders met with HRW’s Richard Pearshouse, Director of Environment and Human Rights, for a special meet and greet. When answering the question, “what do human rights organizations have to do with climate?”, Richard explained there is a lot of overlap between environmental issues and human rights issues, highlighting the role young people play in combating the global climate crisis….
WHAT OUR ALUMNI SAY
“STF changes the world, one outspoken/headstrong student at a time. STF was a cause worth skipping lunch and lying in the grass for; a cause worth the ridicule; a cause worth losing points on a test for, because I spent time strategizing instead of studying. A cause worth anything I could give.”
“The Student Task Force taught me how to be an effective activist while remaining passionate and unafraid. STF taught me to be persistent, even when people didn’t hear us the first, second, or third time. We persevere through our campaigns.”
“STF pushed me to become a more comfortable public speaker and activist. I went from being an introverted and shy freshman to being an outspoken and confident advocate for human rights and environmental justice by the end of my senior year, in large part due to the leadership of the the STF community.”
GET INVOLVED
Empower yourself and make a difference by joining our community of passionate advocates. Click below to learn how you can contribute to advancing human rights and become a voice for justice.